Izmir and Sardes Jewish Heritage Regular Day Trip
Discover the vibrant Jewish heritage of Izmir on a captivating tour that explores its historic synagogues, cultural landmarks, and rich traditions. Immerse yourself in the fascinating Jewish history
Highlights
- Pay a visit to Historical Elevator
- A Turkish polyglot singer: Dario Moreno Street
- The most beautiful synagogue in Izmir with its wooden decorations: Beth Israel Synagogue
- Give a photo break at Konak Square
- Walk in the shopping centre of Izmir: Kemeralti
- With its full of memories: Havra Street (The Street of Synagogues)
- Imagine the ancient bazaar of Izmir: Izmir Ancient Agora
- Overlooking the Izmir city: Kadifekale
- One of the ancient Seven Churches: Sart (Sardis) Ancient City
- The ancient temple of Helenistic and Roman periods: Artemis Temple of Sardis Ancient City
Izmir and Sardes Jewish Heritage Regular Day Trip
Discover the vibrant Jewish heritage of Izmir on a captivating tour that explores its historic synagogues, cultural landmarks, and rich traditions. Immerse yourself in the fascinating Jewish history
Itinerary
-Early depar from Istanbul Hotels to SAW or IST airport for your Izmir flight(1.10 hours) -After arrival you will visit; -Izmir Elevator (Asansor) -Izmir Jewish District -Dario Moreno Street -Beth Israel Synagogue -Konak Square -Clock Tower -Kemeralti Bazaar -Havra (Synagogue) Street -Smyrna Agora -Izmir Kadifekale Castle -Sardes Ancient City -Artemis Temple of Sardis Ancient City -End of the tour drive back to ADB airport for your Istanbul flight
- Starting Points: Turkey/Istanbul
- Route 1 Izmir Elevator (Asansor)
Flight to from Istanbul to Izmir. The elevator is a 19th-century funicular elevator that transported passengers from the seaside cliffs to the desired residential area in the past. French and Hebrew inscriptions on the door indicate that the elevator was built by Nissim Bey. Then we will proceed towards Synagogues Street.
- Route 2 Izmir Jewish District and Dario Moreno Street
In addition, the historical elevator harmoniously blends with Dario Moreno Street, which is named after a renowned Turkish musician and cinema artist of Jewish descent. This street exudes a captivating allure, especially when combined with the elevator's historical significance. Back in the 1940s, Dario Moreno resided on this street along with his mother and four siblings. Recognizing his cultural contribution, the Izmir Metropolitan Municipality decided to honor him by renaming the street as "Dario Moreno Street" in 1992. To commemorate his legacy, Moreno's former residence on this charming street, adorned with old Italian-style gum houses, has been transformed into a museum.
- Route 3 Beth Israel Synagogue
Beth-Israel holds a special place in the hearts of Izmir's Jewish community. It is not only considered the most exquisite synagogue in Izmir but also in the entire Near East. With its grandeur, beauty, and incorporation of European architectural trends, it stands out. Construction on the synagogue began in 1905, and it was officially opened for worship as Beth Israel in 1907. Due to economic constraints, it took several years to complete the interior decoration.Beth Israel Synagogue is an imposing grey building with a small dome when viewed from above, surpassing Havra Street in every aspect. Upon entering the main hall through three solid mahogany doors, one is greeted by a truly unique Italian-style synagogue. Every element, from the wooden features to the Teva (prayer bench), Ehal, armchairs, balcony railings, and ornaments, is crafted from solid mahogany.The synagogue's seating arrangement resembles that of a theater, with the most remarkable feature being the hidden seats designed for children at the back of each seat, which can be opened when needed. Interestingly, this synagogue deviates from the norm by placing the Holy Ehal on the south wall instead of the traditional east wall facing Jerusalem. This unusual orientation is due to the plot's shape. During certain parts of the prayer, worshippers turn towards the left, which is the east wall, to conduct their devotions.
- Route 4 Konak Square and Clock Tower
The center of Izmir is located in Konak region and the heart of the city beats here. Districts such as the historical Kemeraltı, Alsancak, Basmane and Konak Square form the core points of Konak, the center of Izmir. At the same time, this place is the center of İzmir's culture, art and entertainment areas, hosting the most important cultural events in the whole city.
- Route 5 Kemeralti Bazaar
Kemeraltı Bazaar, one of the most famous touristic places in Izmir, has a long history and its roots go back to the 1600s. Since ancient times, it has been an important center where trade is alive and it still maintains this importance today. Kemeraltı Bazaar is spread over a wide area consisting of 15 thousand workplaces and covers an area of 5 km. With this feature, it is considered one of the largest open-air shopping areas in the world.
- Route 6 Havra (Synagogue) Street
Havra Street is a vibrant thoroughfare that comes alive from the early morning until late at night. It serves as a meeting point for Izmir residents, where the freshest fruits and vegetables are showcased, adorning the tables of the city. Moreover, Havra Street sheds light on the history and culture of the Jewish community, an integral part of Izmir's urban identity.As each Jewish group arrived in Izmir from Spain and Portugal, they constructed their own synagogues, resulting in a landscape that is unparalleled anywhere else in the world today. Dozens of synagogues stand side by side, back to back, creating a unique sight. Additionally, there are private synagogues that were established within rooms of houses, bringing the total number of places of worship to around fifty.Wouldn't it be fascinating to embark on a nostalgic journey through these narrow streets, many of which no longer exist, some barely holding on, and a few of which are precious cultural treasures of Izmir? It offers an opportunity to explore a rich tapestry of history and heritage.
- Route 7 Smyrna Agora
While the Agora is defined as a town square, bazaar and market place, the Agora of Smyrna is a structure that fits this description. Smyrna Agora, which has a rectangular plan, draws attention with a large courtyard in the middle. There are columned galleries around the courtyard. As a result of the excavations, the stoas in the north and south were unearthed. These stoas are located in the basement. The north stoa was built in basilica style. The Agora of New Smyrna, which was moved to Kadifekale by Alexander the Great, welcomes its visitors by preserving its splendor and beauty right next to the commercial life. Today, it is possible to reach the ruins of ancient Smyrna from a limited number of points, the most important of which is the Agora of Smyrna, which is called the Agora Ruins.
- Route 8 Izmir Kadifekale Castle
The pride of Izmir: Kadifekale. The castle, which remained silent for a long time and surrounded by buildings, has become one of the most peaceful and beautiful spots in İzmir with partial restoration and landscaping in recent years. Kadifekale, located in the center of Izmir, in a location overlooking the bay, was built by his general Lysimachos in BC by the order of Alexander the Great. It was built in the 3rd century. Located at an altitude of 186 meters above sea level, Kadifekale is spread over a wide area. Although the eastern and southern walls of the castle were completely destroyed, the northern and eastern walls and five towers have survived to the present day. The height of the towers varies between 20-35 meters. There are also remains of a large arched cistern and mosque belonging to the Byzantine period in the castle.
- Route 9 Sart (Sardes) Ancient City
Sardis, situated in the Salihli district of Manisa, holds immense historical significance as the starting point of the famed King Road and the capital of the Lydian state. While the settlement's original name is Sart, many of us commonly refer to it as Sardis. In Greek, it was pronounced as Sardis, in Lydian as Sfard, and in Persian as Sparda. Sardis gained renown as the birthplace of minted money, representing unimaginable wealth. It was a thriving center of trade, further augmented by the gold particles carried by the Pactolos (Sart) River, which played a significant role in the Lydian civilization. The Royal mounds, located 7 kilometers to the north, symbolized the immense wealth and power of the Lydians. These gold particles were processed in specialized gold processing houses. Sardis held a prominent position among the leading cities of the ancient world. Its urban planning was impeccable, and it boasted the largest defensive wall outside Mesopotamia. The city's remarkable structures included shops, a library, a Colonnaded Street, a synagogue, a gymnasium, a bathhouse, the Temple of Artemis, and the Golden purification houses. Encountering the majestic ruins in the ancient city of Sardis is truly awe-inspiring. While the Gymnasium captivates visitors, the synagogue and the Temple of Artemis also deserve praise for their remarkable architecture and historical significance.
- Route 10 Artemis Temple of Sardis Ancient City
Continuing beyond the main road within the ancient city of Sardis, you will encounter the Temple of Artemis, a remarkable structure that stands as one of the largest and most well-preserved temples in the world. Originally dedicated to the goddess Artemis, this temple, like its counterparts in Ephesus and Magnesia, faces west. Remarkably, two pillars of the temple have endured over time without any damage. During the Hellenistic period, construction of the temple began, resulting in the completion of the main building, known as the cella. However, it was only in the Roman period that the main room was divided into two sections. This transformation, with an eastern-facing door, likely accommodated both the Artemis cult and the Imperial cult. The interior columns were removed, and the east main room housed towering 8.5-meter statues of emperors and their wives. Concurrently, construction of the outer columns commenced but remained unfinished. Despite being utilized for rituals and ceremonies for 800 years, the Temple of Artemis was never fully completed. Adjacent to the temple, a church made of rubble stone and brick was constructed in the 4th century, following the abandonment of the Artemis temple. This church served as a place of Christian worship until the early 600s.
- End Points: Turkey/Istanbul
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Informations
- What's Included
• Pick up from your hotel or meeting point.
• 4 Airport Transfers mentioned in the itinerary.
• Drop off to your hotel or meeting point.
• Archaeological sites parking fees.
• Private professional licenced tour guide.
• This is a private tour/activity, only your group will participate.
• Local Taxes.
- What's Excluded
• Admission fees to the museums and sights.
• Personal expenses not included.
• Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.
• Domestic flight tickets
• Gratuities to tour guides and drivers.
- Travel Tips
• For the Churches or mosques, a visit to these places require a respect. So proper dressing into such places is advised.
• Please wear comfortable shoes and casual dress code.
• Guests should watch their steps at all times in order to avoid injuries to people with mobility impairments.
• Cameras (but tripods are not allowed in Turkish Museums and sites).
• Good quality sunglasses are advised and photo-chromatic lenses for those who wear spectacles.
• Hat, sunscreen, and umbrella for the rainy or sunny days, especially days that can be hot in Archaeological sites.
• You can get bottles of soft drinks, it can be scorching hot during the day.
• The clothes you bring with you should be according to the season of your trip. Shorts, t-shirts can be worn. There is no obligation to cover your head or shoulders In Turkey.
• You may pay the entrance fees by credit card or Turkish Liras (The Museums charging only Turkish Liras and Credit cards).
• This tour involves over a mile of walking on uneven, cobblestone surfaces.
• Restrooms are available at the entrance and the exit of Archaeological Sites.
- Note
• This tour must be booked 4 days in advance, as all tour operators must get permission for each visitor in advance.
• Each person must submit a copy of their passport to us 4 days in advance.
• The tour may not run during Muslim and Jewish holidays.
• Please be ready and waiting in your hotel lobby 10 minutes prior to your scheduled pick-up time
• This tour operated with just your party and a guide/driver
• Complementery Turkey Map, Turkey Broucher
• The tour document with details and confirmations will be e-mailed after your prebooking
• Infant seats are available
• It is suitable for wheelchair users
• All customer touchpoints are frequently cleaned
• Social distancing is maintained in vehicles.
• Masks required
• This tour is available all year round.
Tour Reminder!
You can create a reminder for yourself for this tour. We will send you a reminder e-mail/sms about this tour on the date you specify.
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FAQs
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How to meet my tour guide?
Your tour guide/staff will be waiting at pick up points such as your hotels’ lobby/main gate, a specific point etc. according to timing which you were given before tour date.
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Can I state the departure time for my tour?
Of course! We also operate tours on private basis, so you can customize the departure time, if it is a private service.
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Can I choose the sights to visit on my own?
On private tours. You can choose the sights and museums along with all sort of criteria you like by your agent according to content of service.
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How to buy museum tickets?
If the museum tickets are included in your tour, you do not need to buy it as extra. But if the museum ticket/s is/are not included in your tour, still no need to buy tickets in advance, during the tour your tour guide will help you to purchase them. Official tour guides have priority at museum ticket offices.
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Am I traveling with a group on the tour?
There will be two different tour type. Group tour and Private tour. On Private tours, you get a specific service according to confirmed plan for you/your party.
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How about the transportation?
When you book your tour with a van, you will be picked up from hotel, be transferred to the sights and then back to hotel. Otherwise, once you meet your tour guide at your hotel, you will be advised the best option for transportation such as taxi or tram.
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How do I pay?
After filling the Book Now form, there will be a payment button to complete your deposit payment, when you complete payment and secure the booking, we will confirm your tour details and balance payment will be in cash directly to the tour guide during the tour. You can choose to pay in USD, Euro or Turkish Lira.
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What is the language of group tours?
Our daily regular/scheduled group tours are organized in English. But if the number of your party is more than 10 persons you can ask for a tour guide in other languages. On the other hand, Private Tours can be organized in English, Spanish, German, Arabic, Russian and more etc.
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What type of restaurants do you use?
On group tours we use touristic restaurants which has open buffet. On private tours we use local restaurants which has a specific menu.
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How to pay for my services?
Beside money transfer by bank we accept visa and mastercard online payments on our online secure payment webpage.
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Am I traveling with a group?
No. You will be traveling independently on the regular transports according to your choice (Plane/Bus) but you will be with a small group only on local tours at the chosen areas this gives you an opportunity to meet different people through your stay. On the other hand, a private tour organization is always an option.
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If I cancel my group or private tour in last minute?
We are always tolerantly according to unexpected situations. Normally we should use cancellation policy rules but our company supports its clients as much as possible according to conditions.
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Good to Know
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Currency Regulation
Limits
There is no limit on the amount of foreign currency that may be brought into Turkey, but not more than 5 5,000 worth of Turkish currency may be brought into or taken out of the country. -
Exchange Slips
The exchange slips for the conversion of foreign currency into Turkish lira should be kept, since you may be required to show these when reconverting your Turkish lira back into foreign currency, and when taking souvenirs out of the country (to prove that they have been purchased with legally exchanged foreign currency).
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Customs Regulations
On Entry
The following items may be brought into the country duty free personal effects of the tourist.
One TV, one color pocket TV (maximum 16 cm screen), one TV-tape-radio combination, one video recording camera and 5 video cassettes (blank); 5 records, 5 tape cassettes or compact discs, one video player, cine-projector (8 mm) and 10 rolls of film (blank), one slide projector, one pocket computer (maximum main memory capacity Ram 128k. Byte), electronic playing devices (without cassette – keyboard), one transistor radio and portable radio – tape player (its specification to be determined by the Ministry of Finance and Customs), one Walkman or pocket tape recorder, one portable compact disc player, binoculars (one pair, except night binoculars), harmonica, mandolin, flageolet, flute, guitar, and accordion (only one of each type, maximum 3 musical instruments). personal sports equipment, necessary medical items, bicycle, baby buggy, toys, 200 cigarettes and 50 cigars. 200 grams of tobacco and 200 cigarette papers, or 50 grams of chewing tobacco or 200 grams of pipe tobacco, or 200 grams of snuff (In addition to the above allowances, it is possible to purchase 400 cigarettes, 100 cigars, and 500 grams of pipe tobacco from the Turkish Duty Free Shops upon entering the country), 1.5kg. coffee, 1.5kg. instant coffee, 500 grams of tea, 1 kilo chocolate and 1 kilo sweets, 5 (100 cc) or 7 (70 cc) bottles of wines and/or spirits, five bottles of perfume (120 ml max. each), one portable typewriter, one camera with 5 rolls of film, first aid, and spare parts for the car, other items necessary during the journey.
Valuable items and all items with a value of over $ 15,000 must be registered in the owner’s passport upon entering Turkey, for control upon exit.
Antiques brought into the country must be registered in the owner’s passport to avoid difficulties on exit.
Sharp instruments (including camping knives) and weapons may not be brought into the country without special permission.
The bringing into the country, trade, and consumption of marijuana and all other narcotics is strictly forbidden and subject to heavy punishment.
Gifts, not exceeding 500 DM in value and not for trading purposes, may be brought into the country duty free. In addition, gifts not exceeding 500 OM in value may be posted to Turkey duty free, if the date stamped by the sending post office falls one month before, or one month after the following holidays: Seker Bayrami, Kurban Bayrami, Christmas, and New Year’s.
Note
Cellular Telephones entering the country must be accompanied by a certification form showing ownership. Ownership must be documented in the passport of the owner and will be checked on entry and exit. For more information contact the Ministry of transportation, General Directorate at Tel: (312) 212 35 72 – 212 60 10 (10 lines), Fax: (312) 221 32 26 or write to Ulastirma Bakanligi Telsiz Gn. Md. Emek – Ankara.
On Exit
Gifts and souvenirs: for a new carpet, a proof of purchase; for old items, a certificate from a directorate of a museum is necessary. Exporting antiques from Turkey is forbidden.
Valuable personal items can only be taken out of the country providing they have been registered in the owner’s passport upon entry, or providing they can show they have been purchased with legally exchanged currency.
Minerals may only be exported from the country with a special document obtained from the MTA (General Directorate of Mining Exploration and Research). Etudler Dairesi 06520, Ankara. Phone: +90 312 287 3430 /1622, Fax: +90 312 285 4271
Tax Refund
You Can Receive a Tax Refund for the Goods You Purchased In Turkey! Refunds will be made to travelers who do not reside in Turkey. All goods (including food and drinks) are included in the refunds with the exclusion of services rendered. The minimum amount of purchase that qualifies for refund is 5.000.000 TL. Retailers that qualify for tax refunds must be “authorized for refund.” These retailers must display a permit received from their respective tax office.
The retailer will make four copies of the receipt for your refund, three of which will be received by the purchaser. If photocopies of the receipt are received the retailer must sign and stamp the copies to validate them. If you prefer the refund to be made by check, a Tax-free Shopping Check for the amount to be refunded to the customer must be given along with the receipt.
For the purchaser to benefit from this exemption he must leave the country within three months with the goods purchased showing them to Turkish customs officials along with the appropriate receipts and! or check.
There are four ways to receive your refund:
If the retailer gives you a check it can be cashed at a bank in the customs area at the airport. If it is not possible to cash the check upon departure or if you do not wish to cash it then, .e customer must, within one month, send a copy of the receipt showing that the goods have left the country to the retailer who will, within ten days upon receiving the receipt, send a bank transfer to the purchaser’s hank or address.
If the certified receipt and check are brought back to the retailer on a subsequent visit thin one-month of the date of customs certification, the refund can be made directly to the purchaser. Retailers may directly refund the amount to trustworthy customers upon purchase. The refund may be made by the organization of those companies that are authorized to make tax refunds.
Additional information:
Ministry of Finance and Tax Dept. General Directorate, (Maliye Bakanligi, Gelirler Genel Mudurlugu) KDV Subesi 06100, Ulus – Ankara Phone: +90 312 310 3880 / 725 – 728 – 735, Fax: +90 312 311 4510
Tourist Health
Turkish Tourist Health Society (Turizm Sagligi Dernegi-Hacettepe Üniversitesi Tip Fakültesi Plastik ve Rekonstrüktif Cerrahi Ana Bilim Dali, Sihhiye 06100 ANKARA
Phone:
+90 312 311 9393 – 310 98 08) performs the functions below, to provide the travelers in the entire country, mainly in the touristic regions, with proper health care:
- to secure food hygiene
- to prevent environmental pollution
- to ensure hygiene and healthy working-conditions in touristic establishments.
Health Regulations for Pets
For those who wish to bring domestic animals into the country the following are required:
- Pets have to be 3 months and older
- An International Certificate of Health issued within 15 days before the travel
- The Identification Card
- Vaccination Card
Note
If you have an official certificate, you may bring one cat, one bird, one dog and 10 aquarium fish into the country. To get information for the importation of pets, please see the Consular Services. -
Motorist Rules
General
Those who wish to enter the country with their vans, minibuses, automobiles, station wagons, bicycles, motorcycles, motorbikes, sidecars, buses, motor coaches, trailers, caravans or other transport vehicles, will have to provide the following documentations:
- Passport.
- International driving license.
- Car license (document where all details related to the car and the owner’s name are registered). If it is somebody else’s vehicle a power of attorney should be provided.
- International green card (Insurance card). The TR sign should be visible.
- Transit book “Carnet de passage” (for those who want to proceed to the Middle East).
Period
The vehicle can be brought into Turkey for up to 6 Months. The owner should declare on the opposite form, the date of departure at the border gate and should absolutely ve the country at the date declared. If for any important reason the staying period has to be ended, it is necessary to apply to;
The Turkish Touring and Automobile Club (Türkiye Turing ve Otomobil Kurumu) 1. Sanayi Sitesi Yani, 4.Levent, Istanbul, Phone: +90 212 282 8140 (7 lines).
The General Directorate of Customs (Gümrükler Genel Müdürlügü), Ulus Ankara Phone:
+90 312 310 3880, 310 3818, Fax: +90 312 311 1346, before the end of the period declared.
In Case of Accident
The accident should be reported to the police or gendarme. That report has to be certified by the nearest local authority. The owner should apply to the customs authority with his passport and report.
If the vehicle can be repaired, it is necessary to inform the customs authority first and take the vehicle to a garage. If the vehicle is not repairable and if the owner wishes to leave the country without his vehicle, he has to deliver it to the nearest customs office, and the registration of his vehicle on his passport will be cancelled. (Only after the cancellation can the owner of the vehicle leave the country.)
Following an accident, you can phone:
- Trafik Polisi (Traffic Police), Phone: 154
- Jandarma (Gendarme), Phone: 156
- For more information, contact the Touring and Automobile Association of Turkey.
Formalities for Private Yacht Owners
Yachts require a Transit Log and may remain in Turkish waters for up to two years maintenance or for wintering. There are certain ports licensed by the Ministry of Tourist the storage of yachts for a period of two to five years. For further information and regulations contact the marina concerned.
Upon arriving in Turkish waters, yachts should immediately go for control of the ship to the nearest port of entry which are as follows: Iskenderun, Botas (Adana), Mersin, Tasucu, Anamur, Alanya, Antalya, Kemer, Finike, Kas, Fethiye, Marmaris, Datça, Bodrum, Güllük Didim, Kusadasi, Çesme, Izmir, Dikili, Ayvalik, Akçay, Çanakkale, Bandirma, Tekirdag, Istanbul, Zonguldak, Sinop, Samsun, Ordu, Giresun, Trabzon, Rize, Hopa.
Port Formalities
All the required information concerning the yacht, yachtsmen, members, intended route, passports, customs declarations, health clearance, and any obligatory matters must be entered in the Transit Log.
The Transit Log is to be completed by the captain of a yacht under a foreign flag or amateur sailor acting as captain of the vessel.
The Transit Log is completed upon first entering a Turkish port and, generally, it is necessary to contact the Harbor Authority before leaving. For information on tax-free fuel, contact the Marina Harbor Office.
Note
If you have a certificate from the Tourism Ministry Yacht Harbor, you may take petrol at no charge, provided you possess an official marina license. -
Formalities for Private Plane Owners
General
When coming to Turkey, international air routes should be followed. Private planes may stay for up to three months in Turkey with tourist status, but for longer periods permission should be obtained from;
The General Directorate of Customs (Gümrükler Genel Müdürlügü), Ulus Ankara
Phone:
+90 312 310 3880, 310 3818, Fax: +90 312 311 1346
The airports of Ankara, Adana, Istanbul, Izmir, Antalya, Trabzon and Dalaman have ties for private planes. It is also possible to hire planes and helicopters in Turkey.
For further information, apply to:
The Civil Aviation Department of the Ministry of Transport (Ulastirma Bakanligi, Havacilik Gen. Müd.). Bosna-Hersek Cad., No: 5 – 06338 – Emek, Ankara.
Phone:
+90 312 212 6730, Fax: +90 312 2124684, TIx : 44659 Ga-tr.
Underwater Diving
Diving for purposes of sport, with proper equipment and in non-restricted areas, is permitted. Foreign divers should have official documentation of their specifics and training and must be accompanied, when diving, by a licensed Turkish guide.
The limit for diving with diving gear is 30 meters. For educational purposes, this limit is extended to 42 meters. Dives exceeding 30 meters must be carried out with proper diving and medical equipment. In order to protect Turkish archaeological and cultural values. It is strictly forbidden to transport Turkish antiquities or natural specimens. -
Postal System
Turkish post-offices are easily recognized by their black PTT letters on a yellow background. Major post offices are open from 8:00 a.m. till 12:00 p.m., Monday/Saturday, and 9:00 a.m. till 7:00 p.m., Sunday. Small post-offices have the same hours as the government offices.
Postal charges vary for different services depending on destination. Post restante letters should be addressed “postrestant” to the central post-office Merkez Postanesi, in the town of your choice. You have to show your identification card to collect your letters.
All PTT branches have the facilities to exchange money at the current international exchange rates, as well as international postal orders and travelers’ cheques. There is also an express postal service (APS) operating to 90 countries for letters , documents and small packages. A wide variety of special stamps are available in all PTT centers for philatelists.
To phone from PTT telephone booths, which are extensively found in all areas; telephone cards , and tokens (“;jeton”) in three sizes are used. Local, inter-city and international calls can be made from all PTT offices. Besides these main offices there are also mobile PTT services in the touristic areas. For the area codes of major cities and touristic areas in Turkey, please see the “Area Codes” list. Foreign countries area codes are indicated in the International Telephone Codes list.
Some important service numbers are;
- 155 Police
- 112 Emergency
- 110 Fire
- 118 Unknown Numbers
- 161 PTT Information. -
Working Hours
Government Offices
Monday-Friday (8:30-12:30), (13:30-17:30)
Saturday-Sunday (closed)
Banks
Monday-Friday (8:30-12-00), (13:30-17:00)
Saturday-Sunday (closed)
Shops
Monday-Saturday (9:30-13:00), (14:00-19:00)
Sunday (closed)
Istanbul Covered Market:
Monday-Saturday (8:00-19:00)
Sunday (closed)
During summer months, the government offices and many other establishments in the Aegean and Mediterranean Regions are closed in the afternoon. These fixed summer hours are determined by the governing bodies of the provinces. -
Other Practical Information
Local time: GMT+3 hours (April-September) GMT+2 hours (October-March)
Time Differences:
Argentina -5, France -1, Netherlands -1, Australia +8, Germany -1, Saudi Arabia+1, Austria -1, Greece 0, Sweden -1, Egypt 0, Italy -1, Switzerland -1, England -2, Japan +7, Spain -1, USA -7 (EST) -10 (WEST)
*These time differences are for the period October-March; however, they may show variances according to each country’s own time-saving adjustments.
Petrol: Super (premium) – Unleaded (at some places). Normal (regular) – Diesel.
Electricity: 220 volts AC/50 Hz. all over Turkey. (Industrial:380 V) Plug: European round/ 2-prong plug.
Water: Although tap water is safe to drink since it is chlorinated, it is recommended to get advice from the conceded authorities of the places resided.
Weights and Measures:
1 inch = 2.54 centimeters , 1 centimeter = 0.3937 inches
1 yard = 0,9144 meters, 1 meter = 1.0936 yards
1 mile = 1,6093 kilometers, 1 kilometer = 0.6214 miles
1 pound = 0,4536 kilograms, 1 kilogram = 2.2046 pounds
Area: 1 acres = 0,4047 Hectares, 1 hectare = 2.471 acres
Capacity:
1 UK gallon = 4.546 liters, 1 liter = 0.2199 UK gallons
1 US gallon = 3.7831 liters, 1 liter = 0.2643 US gallons
Newspapers and Magazines:
Foreign newspapers and magazines are available in big cities and tourist areas. Also there is a Turkish daily newspaper, Daily News, published in English.
Tipping:
At various establishments like hotels, restaurants, Turkish baths, barbers and hairdressers, tipping at a rate of 5%-15% of the total is common. Taxi and “dolmus” drivers on the other hand, do not expect tips or even rounded fares.
Visiting a mosque:
Five times a day, the “müezzin” calls the faithful to prayer in the mosque. Before entering a mosque, Muslims wash themselves and remove their shoes. Foreign visitors should also remove their shoes and show the respect they would any other house of worship and avoid visiting the mosque during prayer time. Women should cover their heads and arms, and not wear miniskirts. Men should not wear shorts. (In certain famous mosques, overalls are provided for those not suitably dressed.)
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